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24 November, 2009

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Stress and headaches - quiz

Find out about headaches and stress with our quick health quiz. Stress, tension, posture, exercise, diet, dental and eye problems can all trigger headaches.

1. Have you ever injured your neck?
A. Yes, I have had at least one reasonably serious injury such as whiplash or vertebral fractures.
B. Yes, I have had at least one soft tissue injury to my neck involving muscles, tendons or ligaments.
C. No, I’ve never injured my neck.

2. Would you describe yourself as easily stressed?
A. Not really - I’m quite calm and relaxed most of the time.
B. Sometimes - I wish that I didn’t react so strongly to everyday irritations.
C. Yes - I seem to be stressing about every little thing most of the time.

3. Do you ever notice muscular tension in your shoulders and upper back?
A. Sometimes, but I have to be really stressed out before that happens.
B. Not really - other parts of my body tend to hold muscular tension, like my stomach.
C. All the time - it feels like my shoulders are up around my ears.

4. Do you ever notice muscular tension in your face?
A. Yes - I always seem to be clenching my jaw and frowning.
B. Sometimes, but only if I’m feeling angry or extremely stressed out.
C. Not really - I tend to carry muscular tension in other areas of my body, like my stomach.

5. How's your posture?
A. Good most of the time - I generally stand up straight and sit properly in chairs.
B. Okay, although I tend to slouch a bit if I’ve been standing or sitting too long.
C. Awful - my shoulders are rounded and I’m practically lying down when I sit in a comfy chair.

6. How often do you exercise?
A. Once or twice per week.
B. Three to four times per week or more.
C. Hardly ever, if at all.

7. Do you have any dental problems?
A. No, my teeth are straight and healthy.
B. Yes, my teeth need a little bit of work here and there.
C. Yes, my teeth are jumbled and crooked, or else I have conditions I’ve neglected, like abscesses or tooth decay.

8. Do you have any eye problems?
A. Yes, I have a diagnosed eye condition such as long-sightedness, but I wear prescription glasses or contact lenses.
B. No, or none that I know of.
C. I think I might have some kind of vision problem but I haven’t consulted with an eye specialist yet, or else I’ve got a vision problem but I don’t like to wear my glasses.

Your score is:

Score 8 to 12:
It seems that various physical complaints and lifestyle factors could be putting you at high risk of recurring tension headache. It’s in your best interests to visit health care professionals like chiropractors, dentists and eye specialists to better manage any underlying physical conditions. Regular exercise, meditation and counselling may help to reduce your stress levels. See your doctor for further information and advice.

Score 13 to 18:
Some of your lifestyle habits are putting you at increased risk of recurring tension headache. See your doctor or other health care professional (such as chiropractor or physiotherapist) to help manage any pre-existing medical conditions. Browse the Better Health Channel for further information on ways to improve your posture and manage stress.

Score 19 to 24:
Congratulations, it seems that your good health and smart lifestyle choices are significantly reducing your risk of recurring tension headache.

> Check the correct answers. You might also be interested in:
Headache - some causes explained.
Headache and jaw problems.
Headache and the musculoskeletal system.
Stress affects us in many ways.

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